2024 Robert O. Dawson

Conference on Criminal Appeals

Austin May 1-3, 2024 AT&T Conference Center
Conference Concluded

Live Webcast May 1-3, 2024
Conference Concluded

Overview

UT Law CLE's 2024 Robert O. Dawson Conference on Criminal Appeals features members of the Court of Criminal Appeals and judges from the intermediate courts around Texas joining prosecutors and defense attorneys for balanced discussions and insights into current issues facing the criminal justice system, including:

A review of significant decisions from both the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court from the past year.
The Intersection of Science and the Law highlights the increasing importance of forensic science in the criminal justice system.
Participate in an interactive conversation with representatives from all sides of 11.07 writ litigation in Writ Panel.
Hear practical advice from judges during two judicial panels; the Court of Appeals Judicial Panel and the Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial Panel.
Explore legal writing, statutory interpretation, writing findings of fact, and more.

Join your colleagues and conference faculty at the Wednesday Evening Opening Reception co-sponsored by the Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas and the Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas.

Following the conference, attendees will receive a bonus eSupplement containing an additional hours of MCLE to ensure that Texas practitioners can earn their required 15.00/3.00 MCLE hours for the year.

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Wednesday Afternoon, May 1, 2024
Presiding Officer:
Hon. Barbara P. Hervey, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
1:00 pm
Austin Only

Registration Opens

Includes light refreshments.
1:50 pm

Welcoming Remarks
2:00 pm

1.50 hrs

U.S. Supreme Court and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Update

Get current on the two high courts’ latest cases in a presentation curated for the appellate practitioner. Get caught up with the cases from the end of last year’s term and preview what remains in the pipeline for this one.

Emily Johnson-Liu, Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney - Austin, TX
Britt Houston Lindsey, Taylor County District Attorney's Office - Abilene, TX

Emily Johnson-Liu, Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney - Austin, TX
Britt Houston Lindsey, Taylor County District Attorney's Office - Abilene, TX
3:30 pm

15-Minute Break
3:45 pm

0.75 hr

Drafting Effective PDRs and Motions for Rehearing

Discuss effectively phrasing issues in PDRs, knowing when to fight and when to fold and getting PDRs granted.

Carmen Roe, Carmen Roe Law Firm, PLLC - Houston, TX

Carmen Roe, Carmen Roe Law Firm, PLLC - Houston, TX
4:30 pm

0.75 hr

Approaches to Statutory Interpretation

Hear discussion of reading and analyzing statutes, dissecting issues in brief writing, and providing practical tips on briefing and arguing statutory construction issues before appellate courts.

Hon. Melissa Young Goodwin, Third Court of Appeals - Austin, TX

Hon. Melissa Young Goodwin, Third Court of Appeals - Austin, TX
5:15 pm

Adjourn
Austin Only

Adjourn to Reception (5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.)

Enjoy refreshments and a networking opportunity with colleagues and conference faculty.

THANK YOU TO OUR RECEPTION SPONSORS
Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas
State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, May 2, 2024
Presiding Officer:
Carson R. Guy, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
8:30 am
Austin Only

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
9:00 am

1.00 hr

The Intersection of Science and the Law

Highlight the increasing importance of forensic science in the criminal justice system and some of the challenges facing lawyers and scientists.

Hon. Barbara P. Hervey, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Carson R. Guy, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX

Hon. Barbara P. Hervey, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Carson R. Guy, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
10:00 am

0.50 hr

Beyond the Font Wars: Word Processing Tips for Formatting Appellate Briefs

Don't let bad formatting get in the way of a good argument. Learn intermediate and advanced techniques to make your briefs readable and user friendly.

Douglas R. Gladden, Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian - McKinney, TX

Douglas R. Gladden, Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian - McKinney, TX
10:30 am

15-Minute Break
10:45 am

0.50 hr

Writs

Discuss the law of 11.07 habeas corpus with tips for writ practice at the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Michael Staats Falkenberg, Harris County Public Defender’s Office - Houston, TX

Michael Staats Falkenberg, Harris County Public Defender’s Office - Houston, TX
11:15 am

1.00 hr

Writ Panel: An Interactive Walkthrough the Process

An interactive conversation with representatives from all sides of 11.07 writ litigation discussing the roles they play in the investigation, presentation, and decision in a post-conviction writ.

Moderator:
Michael Staats Falkenberg, Harris County Public Defender’s Office - Houston, TX
Panelists:
Kelly Gatewood, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Stacey Mathews, 277th District Court - Georgetown, TX
Nancy Louise Nicolas, Travis County District Attorney's Office - Austin, TX

Moderator:
Michael Staats Falkenberg, Harris County Public Defender’s Office - Houston, TX
Panelists:
Kelly Gatewood, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Stacey Mathews, 277th District Court - Georgetown, TX
Nancy Louise Nicolas, Travis County District Attorney's Office - Austin, TX
Thursday Afternoon, May 2, 2024
Presiding Officer:
Hon. Barbara P. Hervey, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
12:15 pm
Austin Only

Networking Luncheon (in Austin)

Lunch included with registration.
1:00 pm

1.00 hr

The Science of Readable Legal Writing

There is a growing body of empirical research that validates many of the best writing and legal-writing tips the experts have been pushing for years. This presentation highlights the tips, explains the research, and suggests how to implement the tips in your own writing.

Wayne Schiess, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX

Wayne Schiess, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX
2:00 pm

0.50 hr

Drafting Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law

Practical tips for post-conviction litigators: drafting proposed Findings of Fact; increasing the likelihood they will be adopted; and framing the issues for favorable review.

Catherine G. Burnett, South Texas College of Law Houston - Houston, TX

Catherine G. Burnett, South Texas College of Law Houston - Houston, TX
2:30 pm

15-Minute Break
2:45 pm

0.75 hr ethics

Brady v. Maryland, the Michael Morton Act, and the Texas Disciplinary Rules

The obligation to disclose evidence comes from multiple sources, including constitutional, statutory, and ethical. This presentation discusses each source and recent, significant cases in the area.

Carson R. Guy, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX

Carson R. Guy, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
3:30 pm

1.00 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Court of Appeals Judicial Panel

Court of Appeals justices discuss what goes into their decision-making, how to make them more receptive to your briefs (or not), and other factors to improve your appellate practice. Audience members will have the chance to ask questions. Please submit your questions in advance to ConferenceQA@utcle.org.

Moderator:
Jay Brandon, Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Appeals Section - San Antonio, TX
Panelists:
Hon. Rosa Lopez Theofanis, Third Court of Appeals of Texas - Austin, TX
Hon. Beth Watkins, Fourth Court of Appeals - San Antonio, TX

Moderator:
Jay Brandon, Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Appeals Section - San Antonio, TX
Panelists:
Hon. Rosa Lopez Theofanis, Third Court of Appeals of Texas - Austin, TX
Hon. Beth Watkins, Fourth Court of Appeals - San Antonio, TX
4:30 pm

Adjourn

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, May 3, 2024
Presiding Officer:
Alison Fox Dahlberg, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
8:30 am
Austin Only

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
9:00 am

1.00 hr

Tricks of the Trade: Appellate Tips from Both Sides

10 tips to be a better direct appeal and writ practitioner.

Douglas K. Norman, Nueces County District Attorney's Office - Corpus Christi, TX

Douglas K. Norman, Nueces County District Attorney's Office - Corpus Christi, TX
10:00 am

15-Minute Break
10:15 am

1.00 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial Panel

Hear a panel of judges respond to your frequently—and sometimes infrequently—asked questions. Please submit your questions in advance to ConferenceQA@utcle.org.

Moderator:
Alison Fox Dahlberg, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Hon. Barbara P. Hervey, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Mary Lou Keel, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Bert Richardson, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Michelle M. Slaughter, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX

Moderator:
Alison Fox Dahlberg, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Hon. Barbara P. Hervey, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Mary Lou Keel, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Bert Richardson, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Michelle M. Slaughter, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
11:15 am

1.00 hr ethics

Ethical Issues in Criminal Appeals Practice

Ethical representation is required at the appellate level as well as the trial level. Explore rules of ethics and situations specifically centered on appellate representation.

Stephanie L. Stevens, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX

Stephanie L. Stevens, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
12:15 pm

Adjourn

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Jay Brandon

Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Appeals Section
San Antonio, TX

Catherine G. Burnett

South Texas College of Law Houston
Houston, TX

Alison Fox Dahlberg

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Michael Staats Falkenberg

Harris County Public Defender’s Office
Houston, TX

Kelly Gatewood

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Douglas R. Gladden

Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian
McKinney, TX

Hon. Melissa Young Goodwin

Third Court of Appeals
Austin, TX

Carson R. Guy

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Hon. Barbara P. Hervey

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Emily Johnson-Liu

Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney
Austin, TX

Hon. Mary Lou Keel

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Britt Houston Lindsey

Taylor County District Attorney's Office
Abilene, TX

Hon. Rosa Lopez Theofanis

Third Court of Appeals of Texas
Austin, TX

Hon. Stacey Mathews

277th District Court
Georgetown, TX

Nancy Louise Nicolas

Travis County District Attorney's Office
Austin, TX

Douglas K. Norman

Nueces County District Attorney's Office
Corpus Christi, TX

Hon. Bert Richardson

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Carmen Roe

Carmen Roe Law Firm, PLLC
Houston, TX

Wayne Schiess

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Hon. Michelle M. Slaughter

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Stephanie L. Stevens

St. Mary's University School of Law
San Antonio, TX

Hon. Beth Watkins

Fourth Court of Appeals
San Antonio, TX

Planning Committee

Hon. Barbara P. Hervey—Co-Chair

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Hon. David C. Newell—Co-Chair

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Joanna Jefferson—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Jay Brandon

Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Appeals Section
San Antonio, TX

Alison Fox Dahlberg

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Michael Staats Falkenberg

Harris County Public Defender’s Office
Houston, TX

Carson R. Guy

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Lisa Dotin Stewart

Travis County District Attorney's Office
Austin, TX

MCLE Credit

Texas – 12.25 hrs | 2.25 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Criminal Law, Criminal Appellate Law, Juvenile Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 12.25 hrs | 2.25 hrs Ethics

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Oklahoma – 14.50 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.

Pennsylvania – 12.00 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submit. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Other States – 12.25 hrs | 2.25 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

If you wish to satisfy MCLE or other professional education requirements in another state for a program offered by the University of Texas School of Law, please check with the state bar or other licensing authority in that state to ensure it will qualify for self-reporting your credits.

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provided to other licensing authorities as needed.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

TX Accounting CPE – 14.50 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

MCLE Credit

Texas – 12.25 hrs | 2.25 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Criminal Law, Criminal Appellate Law, Juvenile Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you upon claiming credit. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 12.25 hrs | 2.25 hrs Ethics

To claim California MCLE credit, California credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.
You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Oklahoma – 14.50 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

To claim Oklahoma MCLE credit, Oklahoma credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #169) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Oklahoma Bar Association for MCLE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the webcast.

Pennsylvania – 12.00 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

To claim Pennsylvania MCLE credit, Pennsylvania credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submitted. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other States – 12.25 hrs | 2.25 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

To claim Other States MCLE credit, Other States credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provide to other licensing authorities as needed.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

TX Accounting CPE – 14.50 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. In compliance with the rules, UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

To claim Texas Accounting CPE credit, the Texas Accounting CPE credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. Self-report your CPE credit directly to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Key Dates

Austin – May 1-3, 2024 – AT&T Conference Center

Conference Concluded

Live Webcast – May 1-3, 2024

Conference Concluded

Buy

Austin
Live Webcast

Individual
Last day for $495.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 22, 2023
Last day for $595.00 Regular pricing: Apr 17, 2024
$695.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $435.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 22, 2023
Last day for $535.00 Regular pricing: Apr 17, 2024
$635.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $375.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 22, 2023
Last day for $475.00 Regular pricing: Apr 17, 2024
$575.00 for registrations received after this time

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Apr 26, 2024
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Apr 29, 2024

Venue

AT&T Conference Center

The University of Texas at Austin
1900 University Avenue
Austin, TX
877.744.8822 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

$199 room rate good through March 31, 2024 (subject to availability).

Book your room online here or call the reservations department at 512.404.3600 and reference the 2024 Criminal Appeals Conference. The reservations link will be active until the room block is exhausted or the cutoff date of 3/31/24, whichever comes first.

Parking Information

Parking is available in the conference center's attached garage, as well as Rowling Hall Garage. Both garage entrances are located on W 20th St. Guests may self-park or use the hotel's valet services at the University Avenue entrance. Parking rates are subject to change without notice.

Self-parking fees:

Hourly Parking:
0-30 minutes, $3
31-60 minutes, $4
1– 2 hours, $6
2– 3 hours, $9
3– 4 hours, $12
4– 5 hours, $15
5– 8 hours, $18
8– 24 hours, $21
Lost ticket, $42

Valet Parking Rates:
Daily valet: $21
Overnight valet: $38

Additional Information

The conference will take place in the Grand Ballroom at the AT&T Center. If you self-park in the AT&T Conference Center Garage, please take the conference center elevators to level “M3" and follow signs to the Grand Ballroom. If you park in Rowling Hall Garage, please take the elevators to level “B1” and walk across the courtyard to the Conference Center, where you can take the elevators to level "M3" Grand Ballroom.

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas

Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas
www.tex-app.org/

The Appellate Section promotes the role of appellate lawyers in Texas, enhances their skills, and improves appellate practice in Texas. It furthers these goals by offering continuing legal education, disseminating materials on matters of interest to members of the Appellate Section, and creating opportunities for the exchange of ideas among members of the Appellate Section.
State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section

State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section
www.txbarcjs.org/

The Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas is made up of more than 3100 criminal practitioners, which includes prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges across the state. Our mission is to promote excellence in the practice of criminal law by embracing ethics, professionalism, education, training and fellowship. We sponsor CLE at the State Bar Annual meeting, State Bar of Texas webcasts on criminal law matters, and co-sponsor the State Bar of Texas Advanced Criminal Law Course. We also publish a quarterly newsletter to our members. The section’s policies and activities are governed by the Criminal Justice Council.

Conference on Criminal Appeals

Overview

Event Schedule

Wednesday Afternoon, May 1, 2024

Thursday Morning, May 2, 2024

Thursday Afternoon, May 2, 2024

Friday Morning, May 3, 2024

Conference Faculty

Planning Committee

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Venue

AT&T Conference Center

Accommodations

Parking Information

Additional Information

Our Sponsors

Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas

State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section

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